The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that on average, 300 Americans perish in alcohol-related vehicle accidents from Christmas through New Year’s. In addition, motorists experience a higher-than-average number of fatalities in December each year. That’s the biggest reason December is known as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
How it Began
Ronald Reagan issued the first presidential proclamation designating December as “National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month” back in 1981. Every president since then has done likewise. Now more commonly referred to as “National Impaired Driving Prevention Month,” it’s a time when many individuals reflect on their habits and seek help.
It’s not hard to guess why President Reagan chose December as drunk driving prevention month. People attend more festivities involving alcohol during December than at any other time. It is also a season when some will try to alleviate their holiday stresses by abusing drugs or alcohol.
Evolved over the Years
Initially, the proclamation started as an effort to increase awareness. Since then, it has turned into an initiative to prevent impaired driving. Government agencies, private business owners, and even those in the hospitality industry often take additional preventative measures. Some ways in which they accomplish this include:
- Offering free taxi rides to employees following a holiday party
- Throwing only alcohol-free celebrations
- Making promotional materials available for the public
- Increasing the number of sobriety checkpoints
- Running television, radio, and internet ads touting the dangers of drinking and driving
Reflections During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
All those additional efforts do have an impact. One way is that it forces people to reflect more often on their habits. It’s hard to ignore your problem when you see advertisements or flashing road signs everywhere.
In December, many people first notice that a friend or loved one has a substance use problem. Perhaps you have noticed someone asking for a ride more often lately. You might also have a friend who seems to go out of his or her way to avoid sobriety checkpoints. These warning signs might indicate it is time for that person to enter an alcohol addiction rehab center.
Services at Red Oak Recovery®
At Red Oak Recovery®, we are different than most other young adult rehab programs. As a hybrid facility, we incorporate the benefits of clinical treatment with those of an outdoor, wilderness therapy program. This helps users heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. A few of the services we offer include:
- Grief counseling
- Family therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- 12-step recovery program
- Holistic healing
Addiction affects men and women differently, which is why our treatment takes place in a gender-segregated facility. Situated in the beautiful North Carolina mountains, Red Oak Recovery® provides the best possible environment for you to get sober and learn to stay that way.
At Red Oak, you can enjoy the holiday season and obtain that new lease on life you desire. Contact Red Oak Recovery® during national impaired driving prevention month and begin the New Year off right.
Contact us Today for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Don’t struggle with dependency issues this holiday season. By visiting a top-notch recovery center during national impaired driving prevention month, you can learn to celebrate sobriety. Contact us at 866-457-7590 right now to take the next step.
